LogicaCMG has recently launched what it calls its e-identity centre of excellence focusing on the application of biometrics and identification technology for use in electronic passports (ePassports), personal identification and international border security (eBorders).
The firm reports:
Major geopolitical and economic trends are driving a more secure and reliable approach to the question of how people identify themselves and cross international borders. Partially in response to these threats, international bodies are setting standards that introduce high-tech methods of identity management. The International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) and the European Union, for example, have set new standards for the inclusion of biometric information in passports.
Electronic border control can help legitimate passengers to get through national ports of entry quickly, whilst at the same time providing time for thorough analysis of travellers in whom the border authorities may be interested. Biometric passports and visas, for example, enable automated systems to process people quickly whilst at the same time acting as a deterrent for illegitimate travellers.
Major recent points:
International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) has announced its Security technical guidelines & requirements for ePassports & eCards
The United States is leading the way enforcing visitors from visa waiver countries to have Machine Readable (from 26th October 2004), and Biometric passports from 26th October 2005
In the past three years, USA, UK and UEA amongst others have announced intentions to develop electronic border controls to provide tighter security and to expedite pre-cleared passengers
These schemes will involve Trusted traveller schemes like Privium (LogicaCMG Schiphol project)
In the past three years, Macao, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, UK, and South Africa amongst others have implemented or announced intentions to use smart technology and biometrics in an identity management capacity.
e-Identity will benefit both businesses and governments alike. But what are the pros and cons for those approaching the area for the first time? LogicaCMG has identified a number of key issues: namely that uniquely identifying people is the key and the enrolment process is critical.
Businesses could in fact be a prime beneficiary from e-Identity schemes. The real benefits of a high-tech ID card, for example, will only be fully realised if there is a widespread infrastructure that takes advantage of what such a card can do. An ID card could, for example, radically streamline the process of buying a house, opening a bank account or getting insurance, but only if the businesses involved are able to ‘read’ the associated cards and identify their holders accurately.
However, electronic identity has an image problem. The public often react negatively to talk of high-tech national identity cards or biometric passports; and businesses groan about the expense of implementing yet another new technology. Prompted by security fears, governments are often seen as the main drivers–and the principal beneficiaries–of electronic identity solutions.
It may well be that governments are the keenest to get going with this technology, in order, for example, to make sure international borders can be both secure and easy to cross; or to help tackle the elusive threat that is international terrorism. However amidst popular fears over civil liberties and concerns from business about costs, it is easy to forget that electronic identity will make life easier for the public, whilst ultimately helping businesses to save money.
